We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

How many calories to maintain weight for a 5'7 female in mid 20's?

brieland3
brieland3 Posts: 4
edited March 6 in Goal: Maintaining Weight
I've recently lost a couple pounds putting me happily in the 130's. However, previously its been very hard for me to stay there and out of the 140's. How many calories should I be consuming (Being 24 & 5'7, working as a kindergarten teacher for some wild kids as my only 'real' exercise.)
Eating 1300 per day helped me put off some weight. (Never counted calories before so don't know how much I was really eating.) I've seen suggestions of 2,000 calories per day at various places, but always thought that to be quite a lot. Anyone have any experience or know-how on this subject? Thank you!

Replies

  • xcalygrl
    xcalygrl Posts: 1,897 Member
    I am 5'8, in the 170's, mid-20s, female and maintain when I eat 2000 on average. I would say try 17-1800 first for 3-4 weeks and adjust as needed. (If you gain, cut 50-100 per day off. If you lose, add another 50-100 per day.)
  • 5stringjeff
    5stringjeff Posts: 790 Member
    I punched in your info here: http://www.fat2fittools.com/tools/bmr/

    To maintain 135, at a light activity level, you would need to eat 1987 calories a day - pretty close to 2000. If I were in your shoes, I'd pick a calorie goal (maybe 1950, maybe 2000), log my food for a couple of weeks, and try to stay right at that calorie goal, and see how it goes. Remember that it's normal to have weight fluctuations within about a 5 pound range. If your weight is going up over those two weeks, cut back. If it's going down, eat a little more.
  • ponycyndi
    ponycyndi Posts: 858 Member
    I'm 5'7", 152, in my 30's. I take care of kids for free, and my maintenance is in the 2300 range.

    To maintain a lower weight, I'd say you need less, that also depends on your activity level.
  • brieland3
    brieland3 Posts: 4
    Really appreciate all the info everyone! I found it really helpful! Especially 5stringjeff as the website. Thank you!
  • alereck
    alereck Posts: 343 Member
    If you don't work out 2,000 might be too much. I think the best way to find maintenance is to increase by 200 calories from your deficit every 3-4 weeks. It might be much higher than you think, mine is 1,900. I'm 5'7" 29 years old and I only workout 2 times a week for one hour. I try to stay active but my job is pretty much desk bound.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories